Ogun State Governor,Dapo Abiodun has emphasised the need to establish community policing in the wake of different violence,lootings and vandalisations across the country.
While speaking at a Peace Consolidation Meeting of Stakeholders with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adeleye Oyebade, at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday, Gov Abiodun said Nigeria is ripe enough for community policing, pointing out that only community policing can address the demands of the youths.
Abiodun noted that the reform in the police must start with the establishment of the state and community police, adding that the #EndSARS protest has revealed that the current police structure is overwhelmed, hence the need for the establishment of state and community police.
“The #EndSARS protest has brought to the fore some germane questions about our police system and Administration.
“Apart from excesses of some police officers that are under focus with the #EndSARS protest, there is also the issue of the reform and structure of the police”, the governor stated.
Speaking about the Lekki shooting,the Governor said those peddling fake news on the social media seems to deliberately sew the seed of discord due to their unconfirmed reports.
According to them, Nigeria is ripe enough for community policing, pointing out that only community policing can address the demands of the youths.
DIG Oyebade stressed that community policing would close the gap between the people and the police.
He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, had began the process of reforming the police, saying “the reform you (youths) are clamouring is already on the table, the reform is now and the IGP is already doing just that.
“I happen to be in charge of research and planning and community policing is under my purview; I’m telling you already, the community policing is going to involve all of you. We want it to be community-driven and the youths are the highest number in the community, so we have to bring you into the position to contribute your quota. I’m assuring you that community policing is going to address all these issues you have raised here today.
“The way forward is community policing so that we can close gap with members of the public, especially the youths. The way forward is community policing so that we can get the challenges that are affecting your progress in community policing in your areas.
The meeting, had in attendance traditional rulers, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), security agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), religious leaders, students, among others.
